Spencer William Fisher (born May 9, 1976) is a retired American mixed martial artist. A professional competitor from 2002–2012, he is best known for his 17-fight tenure with the UFC, winning "Fight of the Night" honors three times.
| Spencer Fisher | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | Spencer William Fisher May 9, 1976 Cashiers, North Carolina, U.S. |
| Other names | The King, Porkchop |
| Height | 5 ft 7 in (1.70 m) |
| Weight | 155 lb (70 kg; 11.1 st) |
| Division | Middleweight Welterweight Lightweight |
| Reach | 68 in (170 cm) |
| Stance | Southpaw |
| Fighting out of | Davenport, Iowa, U.S. |
| Team | Miletich Fighting Systems (2002–2008) Team Sityodtong (2010)[1] Gracie Barra Chicago (2011)[2] Team Evolution (2009–present)[3] Kings MMA (2012)[4] |
| Years active | 2002–2012 |
| Mixed martial arts record | |
| Total | 33 |
| Wins | 24 |
| By knockout | 10 |
| By submission | 9 |
| By decision | 5 |
| Losses | 9 |
| By knockout | 2 |
| By submission | 1 |
| By decision | 6 |
| Spouse | Emily |
| Website | http://www.spencerfishertheking.com/ |
| Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog | |
Background
editFisher was born in Cashiers, North Carolina. He played soccer while growing up, and was also a fan of professional wrestling. Fisher was introduced to martial arts, when he began practicing Shotokan Karate and Jeet Kun Do at a young age in his school's cafeteria.[5] Fisher then transitioned to boxing in 1992 and began training for MMA soon after. Before becoming a professional fighter, he worked in landscaping and security.
Mixed martial arts career
editEarly career
editFisher made his professional mixed martial arts debut in 2002 and compiled a record of 14–1 before being signed by the UFC.
Ultimate Fighting Championship
editHe made his UFC debut at Ultimate Fight Night 2, scoring a second-round submission victory over Thiago Alves. He then defeated Aaron Riley at Ultimate Fight Night 3 by TKO due to a doctor stoppage after the first round after Fisher broke Riley's Jaw with strikes. Perhaps Fisher's most notable early fight was with Canadian kickboxer Sam Stout on the undercard of UFC 58. When Stout's original opponent Kenny Florian sustained an injury in training that left him unable to compete, Fisher took the fight on very late notice, reportedly having to cut twenty pounds in the final two days leading up to the match.[6] Although Fisher seemed to land the harder punches, Stout landed more and came away with a controversial split decision.
Fisher returned at UFC 60 against Matt Wiman and won by knockout in the second round, knocking Wiman out with a flying knee. Fisher was able to record another first round TKO at UFC 64 against Dan Lauzon. His win streak came to a halt at Ultimate Fight Night 8, after a back and forth fight Fisher was defeated in the second round by TKO due to punches by Hermes Franca. The bout won the "Fight of the Night" award.
In a highly anticipated rematch, Fisher defeated Sam Stout at Fight Night 10 by unanimous decision after three rounds. This rematch with Stout propelled Fisher into the spotlight, as it was the main event, it won Fight of the Night and because both fighters took massive amounts of punishment throughout the fight. It has also been named as one of the UFC's 100 Greatest Fights. Fisher was scheduled to fight Din Thomas at UFC Fight Night 11, but was forced to withdraw due to a staph infection.[7] Ironically, Fisher's replacement for this match was Kenny Florian, whom Fisher had replaced in the UFC 58 fight against Sam Stout.
Fisher fought Frankie Edgar at UFC 78 on November 17, 2007. Fisher lost the fight by unanimous decision. Fisher's next fight was scheduled to be against Marcus Aurélio at UFC Fight Night 13, but he was forced to withdraw due to a shoulder injury.[8] With his shoulder healed, Fisher was next scheduled to fight young up and comer Jeremy Stephens at The Ultimate Fighter: Team Rampage vs. Team Forrest Finale on June 21, 2008. Fisher dominated Stephens and won by unanimous decision.
Fisher defeated Shannon Gugerty by submission due to a triangle choke at UFC 90 in Chicago on October 25, 2008.[9]
Fisher won his fight at UFC 99 via unanimous decision defeating veteran Caol Uno. Fisher lost to Joe Stevenson at UFC 104 by submission (elbow strikes) in the second round.
Fisher was scheduled to face vicious striker Duane Ludwig on March 21, 2010 at UFC LIVE: Vera vs. Jones,[10] but Fisher was forced off the card with an injury. Ludwig faced UFC newcomer Darren Elkins instead.[11]
Fisher faced Dennis Siver on June 19, 2010 at The Ultimate Fighter: Team Liddell vs. Team Ortiz Finale.[12] He lost the fight via unanimous decision.
Fisher's next fight was against UFC newcomer Curt Warburton on October 16, 2010 at UFC 120.[13] He won the fight via unanimous decision.
Fisher faced Ross Pearson on February 27, 2011 at UFC 127.[14] He lost the fight via unanimous decision.[15]
Fisher then faced Thiago Tavares on August 27, 2011 at UFC 134.[16] He lost via TKO at 2:51 of round 2.
Fisher faced Sam Stout for the third time on June 22, 2012 at UFC on FX 4.[17] He lost the fight via unanimous decision. Both participants earned Fight of the Night honors for their performances.
Following his loss to Stout, Fisher announced he would be retiring from MMA.[18]
Fisher decided against retirement and was expected to face Yves Edwards on July 27, 2013 at UFC on Fox 8.[19] However, on July 11, Fisher was removed from the bout due to injury and replaced by Daron Cruickshank.[20] It was later revealed that Fisher was suffering from chronic traumatic encephalopathy, which was likely a direct result of multiple concussive head injuries sustained from his career as a mixed martial artist.[21] Neurological doctors examining Fisher identified that he was unable to hop on one foot, and was incapable of tandem walking. He was advised to retire from fighting immediately.
Fisher was rendered unable to perform basic daily tasks as a result of the traumatic brain injuries that he had sustained, and suffered from headaches, forgetfulness, depression and extreme dizzy spells on a daily basis following his retirement. He and his family considered taking legal action against the UFC on the basis that his injuries were likely a direct result of his career with the organization, but elected not to do so. The UFC continued to pay him $5,000 per month until April 2017, at which point it was decided that his independent contractor agreement with the company was not to be renewed due to a planned reduction of business expenses following the Company's recent $4 billion takeover.[22] Fisher's wife Emily was forced to leave full-time employment to care for him, and Fisher now relies on coaching MMA classes in a local gym.
The issues faced by Fisher in living with his injuries following retirement gained increased attention in January 2021, following the release of an article about Fisher by the website MMA Fighting. UFC President Dana White, when responding to questions regarding Fisher's condition ahead of UFC Fight Island 7, stated that "he’s not the first and he’s definitely not going to be the last (to suffer neurological injuries as a result of a career in combat sports). This is a contact sport and anybody who’s done this younger, myself included, is dealing with brain issues. It’s part of the gig."[23] Welterweight fighter Matt Brown, responding to the article in question, also stated that he had suffered similar symptoms throughout his career, and acknowledged that this was a real risk faced by fighters who take considerable damage during their careers.
Personal life
editFisher is married to female former mixed martial arts fighter Emily Fisher. The couple has three daughters.[24]
Fisher owns and operates Glory Martial Arts Fitness, a gym in Sylva, North Carolina.[25]
Mixed martial arts record
edit| 33 matches | 24 wins | 9 losses |
| By knockout | 10 | 3 |
| By submission | 9 | 0 |
| By decision | 5 | 6 |
| Res. | Record | Opponent | Method | Event | Date | Round | Time | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loss | 24–9 | Sam Stout | Decision (unanimous) | UFC on FX: Maynard vs. Guida | June 22, 2012 | 3 | 5:00 | Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States | Fight of the Night. |
| Loss | 24–8 | Thiago Tavares | TKO (punches) | UFC 134 | August 27, 2011 | 2 | 2:51 | Rio de Janeiro, Brazil | |
| Loss | 24–7 | Ross Pearson | Decision (unanimous) | UFC 127 | February 27, 2011 | 3 | 5:00 | Sydney, Australia | |
| Win | 24–6 | Curt Warburton | Decision (unanimous) | UFC 120 | October 16, 2010 | 3 | 5:00 | London, England | |
| Loss | 23–6 | Dennis Siver | Decision (unanimous) | The Ultimate Fighter 11 Finale | June 19, 2010 | 3 | 5:00 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | |
| Loss | 23–5 | Joe Stevenson | TKO (submission to elbows) | UFC 104 | October 24, 2009 | 2 | 4:03 | Los Angeles, California, United States | |
| Win | 23–4 | Caol Uno | Decision (unanimous) | UFC 99 | June 13, 2009 | 3 | 5:00 | Cologne, Germany | |
| Win | 22–4 | Shannon Gugerty | Submission (triangle choke) | UFC 90 | October 25, 2008 | 3 | 3:56 | Rosemont, Illinois, United States | Submission of the Night. |
| Win | 21–4 | Jeremy Stephens | Decision (unanimous) | The Ultimate Fighter: Team Rampage vs Team Forrest Finale | June 21, 2008 | 3 | 5:00 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | |
| Loss | 20–4 | Frankie Edgar | Decision (unanimous) | UFC 78 | November 17, 2007 | 3 | 5:00 | Newark, New Jersey, United States | |
| Win | 20–3 | Sam Stout | Decision (unanimous) | UFC Fight Night: Stout vs. Fisher | June 12, 2007 | 3 | 5:00 | Hollywood, Florida, United States | Fight of the Night. |
| Loss | 19–3 | Hermes Franca | TKO (punches) | UFC Fight Night: Evans vs. Salmon | January 25, 2007 | 2 | 4:03 | Hollywood, Florida, United States | Fight of the Night. |
| Win | 19–2 | Dan Lauzon | TKO (punches) | UFC 64: Unstoppable | October 14, 2006 | 1 | 4:38 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | |
| Win | 18–2 | Matt Wiman | KO (flying knee) | UFC 60: Hughes vs. Gracie | May 27, 2006 | 2 | 1:43 | Los Angeles, California, United States | |
| Loss | 17–2 | Sam Stout | Decision (split) | UFC 58: USA vs. Canada | March 4, 2006 | 3 | 5:00 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | |
| Win | 17–1 | Randy Hauer | Submission (triangle choke) | Battle at the Boardwalk (Day 1) | February 17, 2006 | 1 | 4:18 | Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States | Return to Lightweight. |
| Win | 16–1 | Aaron Riley | TKO (doctor stoppage) | UFC Fight Night 3 | January 16, 2006 | 1 | 5:00 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | |
| Win | 15–1 | Thiago Alves | Submission (triangle choke) | UFC Ultimate Fight Night 2 | October 3, 2005 | 2 | 4:43 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | Return to Welterweight. |
| Win | 14–1 | Henry Matamoros | TKO (punches) | SuperBrawl 40 | April 30, 2005 | 1 | 2:48 | Hammond, Indiana, United States | |
| Win | 13–1 | Kyle Watson | KO (punch) | Courage Fighting Championships 2 | March 26, 2005 | 1 | 0:33 | Decatur, Illinois, United States | Lightweight debut. |
| Win | 12–1 | Tim Means | Submission (triangle choke) | IFC: Eve Of Destruction | March 5, 2005 | 1 | 1:44 | Salt Lake City, Utah, United States | |
| Win | 11–1 | John Strawn | Submission (triangle choke) | VFC 8: Fallout | November 27, 2004 | 2 | 3:32 | Council Bluffs, Iowa, United States | |
| Win | 10–1 | Shawn McCully | KO (punches) | Xtreme Kage Kombat | August 7, 2004 | 1 | 1:42 | Des Moines, Iowa, United States | |
| Loss | 9–1 | Carlo Prater | Decision (unanimous) | Freestyle Fighting Championships 9 | May 14, 2004 | 3 | 5:00 | Biloxi, Mississippi, United States | |
| Win | 9–0 | Josh Neer | Decision (split) | VFC 7: Showdown | March 6, 2004 | 5 | 5:00 | Council Bluffs, Iowa, United States | |
| Win | 8–0 | Eddy Ellis | Submission (armbar) | IFC: Battleground Tahoe | January 31, 2004 | 2 | 3:10 | Lake Tahoe, Nevada, United States | |
| Win | 7–0 | Daryl Guthmiller | Submission (armbar) | ICC 2: Rebellion | April 18, 2003 | 2 | 2:45 | Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States | Return to Welterweight. |
| Win | 6–0 | Kurt Illeman | KO (punch) | Extreme Challenge 49 | February 8, 2003 | 1 | 1:42 | Davenport, Iowa, United States | |
| Win | 5–0 | Jonathan Spears | TKO (punches) | Tuesday Night Fights | December 17, 2002 | 1 | 1:02 | Davenport, Iowa, United States | Middleweight debut. |
| Win | 4–0 | Adam Copenhaver | TKO (punches) | VFC 3: Total Chaos | November 23, 2002 | 1 | 3:54 | Council Bluffs, Iowa, United States | |
| Win | 3–0 | Tim Palmer | TKO (punches) | VFC 3: Total Chaos | November 23, 2002 | 1 | 0:57 | Council Bluffs, Iowa, United States | |
| Win | 2–0 | Dave Gries | Submission (rear-naked choke) | VFC 3: Total Chaos | November 23, 2002 | 1 | 4:28 | Council Bluffs, Iowa, United States | |
| Win | 1–0 | Ryan Heckert | Submission (armbar) | VFC 2: Bragging Rights | August 17, 2002 | 1 | 2:54 | Council Bluffs, Iowa, United States |
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ Fisher lands at Sityodtong Archived 2010-06-07 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Matt Saccaro (August 9, 2011). "UFC 134: Spencer "The King" Fisher Sits Down for a Bleacher Report Exclusive". Bleacher Report.
- ^ "Fight Path: Despite famous husband, Emily Fisher found own path to MMA". MMAjunkie.com. March 26, 2009.
- ^ "Fisher ready for One More Go Round with Stout". Ultimate Fighting Championship. September 14, 2018.
- ^ Saccaro, Matthew. "Spencer "The King" Fisher Sits Down for a Bleacher Report Exclusive". Bleacher Report.
- ^ In two days, he had to find a way to drop 20 pounds and prepare to face Sam Stout on short notice at UFC 58.
- ^ UFC lightweight contender Spencer "King" Fisher (20-3) has confirmed that a staph infection in his knee has forced him to withdraw from his fight with Din Thomas at UFC Fight Night 11.
- ^ Savage, Greg (March 17, 2008). "Injury Knocks Fisher Out of Aurelio Bout". Sherdog.com. Retrieved March 18, 2008.
- ^ "- FISHER VS GUILLARD AT UFC 90 IN CHICAGO - MMA WEEKLY - Mixed Martial Arts & UFC News, Photos, Rankings & more". www.mmaweekly.com. Archived from the original on August 7, 2008.
- ^ "Spencer Fisher vs. Duane "Bang" Ludwig targeted for UFC LIVE". mmajunkie.com. Archived from the original on January 14, 2010. Retrieved January 12, 2010.
- ^ "Report: Fisher out, Ludwig faces newcomer Elkins at UFC on Versus 1 in March". mmajunkie.com. Archived from the original on March 2, 2010. Retrieved February 27, 2010.
- ^ "Spencer Fisher vs Dennis Siver signed for Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 11 Finale on June 19". mmamania.com. April 20, 2010. Retrieved April 20, 2010.
- ^ "Spencer Fisher signs four-fight deal, meets newcomer Kurt Warburton at UFC 120". mmajunkie.com. July 5, 2010. Archived from the original on July 8, 2010.
- ^ "Spencer Fisher vs. Ross Pearson targeted for UFC 127 in Australia". mmajunkie.com. Archived from the original on July 13, 2012. Retrieved November 24, 2010.
- ^ "UFC 127 preliminary-card results: Pearson tops Fisher, judges rob Fukuda". mmmajunkie.com. February 27, 2011. Archived from the original on July 10, 2012. Retrieved February 26, 2011.
- ^ "Spencer Fisher vs. Thiago Tavares in the works for "UFC: Rio"". mmmajunkie.com. Retrieved April 16, 2011.
- ^ "Spencer Fisher vs. Sam Stout III added to UFC on FX 4 in Atlantic City". mmmajunkie.com. Retrieved April 3, 2012.
- ^ "Video: Spencer Fisher retires from MMA after loss to Sam Stout at UFC on FX 4". MMAMania.com. June 22, 2012.
- ^ MMAjunkie.com Staff (April 23, 2013). "Yves Edwards vs. Spencer Fisher added to July's UFC on FOX 8 event". MMAjunkie.com.
- ^ Staff (July 11, 2013). "Daron Cruickshank replaces Spencer Fisher, meets Yves Edwards at UFC on FOX 8". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved July 11, 2013.
- ^ "The cost of being 'The King'". January 12, 2021.
- ^ "The cost of being 'The King'". January 12, 2021.
- ^ "Dana White: Spencer Fisher 'not the first and he's definitely not going to be the last' to deal with brain trauma". January 13, 2021.
- ^ "Fisher finds focus for Stout Rematch". CHRON.com. June 5, 2007. Retrieved August 17, 2010.
- ^ http://www.facebook.com/spencerthekingfisher/ [user-generated source]
